Short answer: the Aperion Audio Novus N5T, if you are buying new. The Emotiva Airmotiv XT2 ranks higher than it (#82 vs #154 of 228 floorstanding speakers, 4.2/5 vs 3.8/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Aperion Audio Novus N5T is still sold new at $1,048.50.
The Emotiva Airmotiv XT2 is the better-sounding option. A three way tower with a folded ribbon tweeter, a dedicated midrange and three woofers, with bi-amp terminals and a five year warranty. The tradeoff: No independent measurements have been published yet, so it can’t be compared with the Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ it replaces, which Erin measured reaching about 32Hz (-10dB) from two 8” woofers.
The case for the Aperion Audio Novus N5T: A compact direct sale tower with a warm tilt, deep bass, smooth in-room sound and a home trial. Watch for: The -0.31dB-per-octave response tilt makes it moderately warm/dark, while on-axis smoothness of 0.267 is merely average.
Buy the Aperion Audio Novus N5T if you want one new; the Emotiva Airmotiv XT2 is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Worth knowing: the Emotiva Airmotiv XT2 has not been measured yet. Its rating is estimated from related models, with a likely range of 4.0 to 4.4, so treat this verdict as provisional.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Measured Differences
- Efficiency: the Emotiva Airmotiv XT2 is rated at 90 dB sensitivity against 86 dB for the Aperion Audio Novus N5T, so it plays as loud with roughly half the amplifier power.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Emotiva Airmotiv XT2 | Aperion Audio Novus N5T | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $999 per pair Discontinued | $1,048.50 per pair |
| Ranked | #82 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers Estimated | #154 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 40Hz (manufacturer specified) | 51.3Hz (measured, ASR via spinorama.org) |
| Crossover Frequency | 430Hz, 3.1kHz | - |
| Dimensions | 44.8”H x 8.5”W x 12.2”D (1137 x 216 x 311 mm) | 39H x 7.5W x 10.6D in |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Drivers | 25mm x 32mm folded ribbon tweeter, 5.25” woven fiber midrange, 3x 6” woven fiber woofers | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 2x 5.25” aramid-fiber woofers |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 27kHz ±3dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms nominal |
| Recommended Power | 100W or more | - |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) | 86dB measured |
| Weight | 48.9 lbs (22.2 kg) each | 37 lbs (16.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Enclosure | - | 2.5-way, rear-ported |
| Country | - | United States (design) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 4.88 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 6.62 |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 32.7Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Emotiva Airmotiv XT2: reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
- Aperion Audio Novus N5T: Spinorama.org measurements.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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